[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 65 (Tuesday, April 14, 2026)]
[House]
[Pages H2840-H2841]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1230
                         SUPER TYPHOON SINLAKU

  (Ms. King-Hinds of the Northern Mariana Islands was recognized to 
address the House for 5 minutes.)
  Ms. KING-HINDS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today as my home, the 
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, is taking a direct hit 
from supertyphoon Sinlaku, one of the most powerful storms on Earth 
this year.
  Right now, families on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota are sheltering from 
catastrophic winds, life-threatening storm surge, and severe flooding. 
Homes are being damaged. Power is going out, and communications are 
being disrupted.
  For many of us here in Washington, there is a particular kind of pain 
that comes with this moment. That is because while we are here doing 
our jobs, our hearts are back home with our families and praying that 
they are alive and safe.
  Mr. Speaker, the people of the Northern Mariana Islands are strong. 
We prepare, we endure, and we rebuild. But let me be clear: Resilience 
should never be mistaken for self-sufficiency. We are a small, remote 
island community. When disasters strike, the margin for error is thin, 
and the need for a fast,

[[Page H2841]]

coordinated Federal response is critical.
  I want to thank President Trump for approving the emergency 
declaration and FEMA for mobilizing resources. Now we must act with 
urgency and precision. First, I call on FEMA to ensure rapid deployment 
of personnel and pre-positioned supplies, with a focus on restoring 
access to food, clean water, and emergency medical care.
  Second, I urge the administration to expedite individual assistance 
and public assistance under the Stafford Act so families can begin 
recovery immediately, not weeks from now.
  Third, we must prioritize the rapid restoration of power and water 
systems. I ask for full Federal cooperation, including support from the 
Department of War, to stabilize critical infrastructure as quickly as 
possible.
  Fourth, I ask this body to be prepared to support supplemental 
disaster funding, if needed, because for island communities like ours, 
recovery costs are disproportionately high, and resources are limited.
  Finally, Mr. Speaker, I ask that we not lose sight of the bigger 
picture. Events like this highlight the vulnerability of remote U.S. 
communities to increasingly severe weather and the need for sustained 
Federal investment in resilient infrastructure, energy security, and 
emergency preparedness in the territories.
  Mr. Speaker, right now this is about life and safety. In the coming 
days, it will be about recovery. In the months ahead, it must be about 
resilience.
  But today I ask for something simple and human. I ask this body and 
the American people to keep the Northern Mariana Islands in your 
prayers. Pray for the families riding out this storm as we speak. Pray 
for our first responders and pray for strength as our community begins 
to pick up the pieces.
  We are proud to be a part of this Nation. We serve this Nation, and 
in this moment, we are asking this Nation to stand with us.
  May God bless the Northern Mariana Islands.

                          ____________________